Men’s Shoe Styles | Different Types of Shoes for Men: Casual and Formal

Make sense out of men’s shoe styles! Check out the differences between different types of shoes for men – oxford vs brogues, sneakers vs loafers, etc. 

With so many varieties of men’s shoe styles available in the market today, it can sometimes be daunting when trying to pick out the right shoe for your outfit. That’s why we have created the ultimate guide to different types of shoes for men. Confused between brogues and oxfords and loafers and moccasins? Fear not! Our guide to men’s shoe styles is here to your rescue!! Khe khe khe! 😉

Different men’s shoe styles with names and pictures

Men’s Shoe Styles: Dress Shoes

Dress shoes may be worn formally or smart-casually. These are the kind of shoes you need to wear with tuxedos, suits and blazers. For the sophisticated, classy, formal or polished look, choose a pair of dress shoes. The different types of dress shoes include derby, brogues, oxfords, monks and loafers. Here’s how they are different from one another:

Formal shoes for men

 

1. Derby Shoes

Derby shoes are one of the most common men’s shoe styles which can be identified with their open lacing style. These are the shoes for you if you have big feet. These shoes are meant for formal occasion but they can be matched with casual outfits as well. Latest men’s dress shoe styles may come and go with different textures and what not, but a classic pair or derbys is always in vogue.

Men's Shoe Styles derby-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-stylish shoes for men-leather shoes
2. Oxford Shoes

These shoes can be identified with their closed lacing. These shoes are also called “Balmorals”. These shoes are mostly used for formal occasions only. Oxford style shoes for men are no-nonsense – perfect for tuxedos and formal suits.

oxford-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-formal-suits3. Brogue Shoes

Here’s another classic men’s dress shoe styles. Brogue shoes are shoes that have decorative perforations (called “broguing”) on the surface of the shoes. There are derby brogues, oxford brogues and monk brogues. These shoes were traditionally used for formal occasions but they are being used increasingly semi-casually or smart-casually as well. These are also some of the most stylish shoes for men.

brogue-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-perforated4. Monk Shoes

Monk shoes have no lacing and typically have a strap and and a buckle. There are two varieties of monk shoes- single monk (with a single strap and buckle), double monk (with two straps and buckle) There are triple monks as well, but they are not used widely. These are one of the men’s shoe styles that are bold but timeless. These shoes can be worn both formally or casually.

a. Single Monk:

single-monk-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-buckleb. Double Monk:

double-monk-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-buckle5. Loafers

Loafers are lace-less shoes that are timeless when it comes to their appeal and style. Loafers can be worn with formal clothes only, though various variants of loafers (in terms of their style and material) are worn casually as well. There are three common types of loafers:

  • Penny Loafers
  • Bit Loafers
  • Tassel Loafers

I personally prefer penny loafers over bit or tassel loafers because I feel that tassel loafers are bit overrated and bit loafers feel really old school! Although, tassel loafers are currently very trendy. They even work as men street style shoes.

a. Penny Loafers:

penny-loafers-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-mens dress shoes formalb. Bit Loafers:

bit-loafers-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-formalc. Tassel Loafers:

Men's Shoe Styles tassel-loafers-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress-shoe-formalMen’s Shoe Styles: Casual Shoes

Casual men’s shoe styles come in so many different varieties that you never have to choose just the same type for your vacation/ outing/ brunch or whatever.

1. Sneakers

Casual sneakers are a must-have item in every man’s wardrobe. A good pair of basic black and white sneakers can do the magic. Of course, they can be worn with all casual outfits like jeans, shorts, but you can even even wear them with smart-casual suits (if you are in a mood to experiment Yes, you CAN pull it off!) I personally prefer wearing sneakers with shorts and chinos. Here are some classy sneakers in the tonal colors – black and white:

casual-sneakers-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-sports-active

2. Boat shoes

Men’s boat shoes are also ultra cool and convenient when it comes utility. These casual men’s shoes can be worn without socks. You can dress up and dress down with these shoes. They can be worn with smart casual outfits like a weekend at the movies, as well as on a casual visit to the supermarket. These shoes look amazing with a pair of shorts and a simple tee.

mens casual shoes-boat-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-sports

3. Espadrilles

These men’s summer shoes are just perfect for your casual outings. These shoes are not only comfortable but incredibly fashionable as well.

walking shoes for men-casual-espadrilles-mens-shoe-styles-types-vacation-travel

4. Sandals

Sandals are one of the most essential men’s shoe styles that you need, especially in the summers. Days in the beach, walk in the park or a casual stroll in the streets, sandals are the perfect companions. Sandals can be very fashionable as well if done right.

Men's Shoe Styles casual-sandals-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-everyday

5. Slip-On Sneakers

These are basically sneakers but without laces – again simple yet fashionable. These are also perfect walking shoes for men.

casual-slip-on-sneakers-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-holiday-beach-vacation

Men’s Shoe Styles: Boots

1. Chelsea boots

Chelsea boots can never run out of style. These ankle boots can be identified with their elastic side panel. They are perfect for smart casual outings. They can significantly step up your game. These are one of my favorite types of boots.

chelsea-boots-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-dress

2. Chukka boots

Chukka boots are plain boots mostly made of suede or other leather materials. They have a open-lacing construction (derby construction). These boots are perfect for casual outfits like jeans, chinos etc.

chukka-boots-shoes-mens-mens footwear different-types-formal

3. Brogue boots

Brogue boots are boots that have “broguing”. They’re not every man’s style, but if chosen well, they look really cool!

brogue-boots-shoes-mens-shoe-styles-different-types-formal-smart-casualJPG

So, these are the different men’s shoe styles. Which style do you prefer? Choose well, because shoes really can make or break your outfit! Hope you liked our guide on different types of shoes for men. If you did, let us know by tweeting @shilpa1ahuja.

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